FRIDAY
Kid Rock
After a brief publicity stunt—his 2017 claim that he was running for U.S.—the hip-hop-country rocker returned to what he knows best—being a rock star. His “Greatest Show on Earth” tour is in support of his 11th studio album, “Sweet Southern Sugar,” released in November. Though it debuted at the top of Billboard’s rock album charts, it hasn’t spawned much in the way of hits, so you can be sure Rock will sprinkle his set with old favorites such as “Cowboy,” “All Summer Long” and “Bawitdaba.”
With A Thousand Horses. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9. $39.50-$129.50. Infinite Energy Arena, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. 770-626-2464, infiniteenergycenter.com
Diana Krall
The ethereal jazz-pop musician has been touring behind her latest album, “Turn Up the Quiet,” since last summer and her shows have mixed some of those newly recorded jazz favorites (such as Irving Berlin’s “Blue Skies”) with her distinctive take on other classics, including Joni Mitchell’s “A Case of You.” The album celebrates Krall’s return to jazz, but live, she is always a captivating musical chameleon.
8 p.m. Feb. 9. Sold out. Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
After scooping up two Grammy Awards last month (for best Americana album and best American roots song), Isbell made a typically forthright statement backstage about how seriously he takes his craft. “I think it’s important for everybody to try to change things for the better. What we do is not just for entertainment. If I had my druthers, I’d rather people consume music as an activity, not in the background as they’re getting ready for a sporting event.” This is the second of a two-night stand in his former hometown.
With James McMurty. 8 p.m. Feb. 9. $47.70-$97.75. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 1-855-285-8499, foxtheatre.org
SATURDAY
Art Garfunkel
Although his longtime (and long ago) partner Paul Simon just announced a final tour, the musician/actor/author hasn’t publicized any plans to back away from the microphone. Garfunkel is a known storyteller, and in September released the book, “What Is It All But Luminous: Notes From An Underground Man.” He’ll likely share some stories from the stage during a set that usually features plenty of Simon & Garfunkel gems (“The Boxer,” “The Sound of Silence,” “Homeward Bound”) and covers of George Gershwin and Randy Newman tunes.
8 p.m. Feb. 10 and 11. $90-$125. City Winery Atlanta, 650 North Ave., Ponce City Market, Atlanta. 404-946-3791, citywinery.com/atlanta/
Atlanta Rhythm Section
The sextet has been a mainstay since splintering from their day jobs as session players and forming in Doraville in 1971. Their late-‘70s output“So Into You,” “Imaginary Lover,” “Spooky”—remains their highlight, but the band’s Southern-meets-soft rock sound has kept live audiences entertained for decades. The band is comprised of co-founder Dean Daughtry, Rodney Justo, Steve Stone, Justin Senker, David Anderson and Rodger Stephan.
7 and 9:30 p.m. Feb. 10 and 6 and 8:15 p.m. Feb. 11. $40-$46. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur. 1-877-987-6487, eddiesattic.com
TUESDAY
Mary J. Blige
During her summer show at Wolf Creek Amphitheater, the empress of the rousing testimonial spent as much time encouraging the women in the crowd to assert their strength as she did singing powerful songs that express a similar sentiment. Since that concert, Blige also became an Oscar anomaly – she is the first person to be nominated for an Academy Award for acting (best supporting actress for “Mudbound”) and writing a nominated original song (“Mighty River” from “Mudbound”) in the same year.
8 p.m. Feb. 13. $59-$246.50. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 1-855-285-8499, foxtheatre.org
THURSDAY
Chris Young
The newly minted member of the Grand Ole Opry is on the road supporting his seventh album, “Losing Sleep.” The release showcases a slightly poppier side of the Tennessee native, but still debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and peeled off a country radio No. 1 with the title track.
With Kane Brown and LANCO. 6:30 p.m. Feb. 15. $39-$59. Infinite Energy Arena, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. 770-626-2464, infiniteenergycenter.com
About the Author
